
Soak Station 309
Surprise, AZ, USA
Project Details
Location: Rescue Oasis Complex | Surprise, AZ, USA
Application: Community Splash Pad
Year of Installation: 2025
Main Features:
- Custom Firetruck Activity Tower
- O-Riginal with custom graphic
- Custom Fellows – Dalmatian and Fire Hydrant Cannon
- USO
- Splash Blaster
- Team Blaster
- Fun-Brella
- Ground Sprays, including Glow Effects and Puddle 1
- Surfboard
- Aqualume Soaker 3
- Poly Palm
Making a Splash in the Desert
At the heart of the Rescue Oasis Complex in Surprise, Arizona, you’ll find Soak Station 309 – a splash pad that is more than just a place to cool off. It was designed to pay tribute to the firefighters of the neighbouring station, turning their courage and spirit into a playful, hands-on adventure for kids of all ages.
Waterplay pulled out all the stops for this space, with every feature tied into the overall fire station theme of the splash pad, creating a vibrant, exciting aquatic play space for all.
The Challenge
The city of Surprise wanted to create a hub that would bring the community together. Their aim was to provide amenities such as a playground, community centre, and splash pad, creating opportunities for people to build connections and enjoy a splashy play space during the scorching summer months. The city was adamant on the fire station theme and together, the city and Waterplay created an incredible splash pad that boasts all sorts of splashy water features, perfect for kids of all ages.
There was a lot of work that went into the splash pad, along with everything else being built at the Rescue Oasis Complex. Being such a large project, there were a few challenges that were encountered along the way, namely surrounding the budget of the project and the fact that there were so many different people involved. It can be challenging to get a consensus on decisions when there are so many approvals required for projects like these to move forward, but once plans were in place and approvals had been given, the splash pad project proceeded smoothly.
The Solution
With a very intentional Firefighters theme in mind, the city of Surprise and Waterplay’s expert design team worked together to create a splash pad that checked all their boxes, complete with a few unique, custom features. There was a large focus on sensory play in the design, as the city really wanted a play space that would engage all the senses. Creating different play areas helped cater to waterplayers of all ages and abilities while sequencing certain water features encourages kids to explore and problem solve as they play. Two power post activators were implemented into the design, one that controls the water elements and the other to control the lights.
Soak Station 309 needed to be a space that offered something for everyone, and the addition of lighting and shade created a space that allows families to play together and stay longer. Lights help to extend the hours of operation, which helps maximize the overall play value of the splash pad.
The Implementation
Boasting big splashes, gentle ground sprays, and everything in between, Soak Station 309 is jam-packed with fun water features that will provide all-day fun. The main attraction is the custom fire truck Activity Tower, complete with two slides, a dumping bucket, and various spraying features. A custom graphic plate on the O-Riginal showcases the City of Surprise Fire Department’s logo, matching the red and white colour scheme carried throughout the entire splash pad. Two custom fellows - a friendly Dalmatian and a Fire Hydrant cannon - were created for this project, all tying into the red and white colour scheme. Splash Blasters, Team Blasters, a USO, and several different ground sprays make up the rest of the various water features, alongside Glow Effects that transform the space from day to night!
The adjoining swimming pool features several other Waterplay products, including a Surfboard, Poly Palm, Waterways Basin, and an Aqualume Soaker 3.
The Outcome
No matter where kids are on the splash pad, it is designed for them to explore, let their creativity run wild, and tell stories. They can create their own adventure, whether it’s scaling the firetruck, dodging splashes from the dumping bucket, or challenging friends to splash-offs with blasters. They help bring the splash pad to life, creating a fun, engaging play experience for all.
Soak Station has transformed the area into a vibrant community hub, creating an inviting space where families come to splash, play, and stay all day. Its dynamic design draws visitors not just from within the city of Surprise, but from surrounding areas too. More than just a place to cool off, the splash pad honors local first responders, celebrating their vital role in the community. It also serves as an inclusive, accessible cooling zone that is open to everyone who wants to enjoy it.
Fully shaded and full of life, Soak Station 309 invites families from all over to stay, play, and create new memories, all while honouring the everyday heroes who inspired the splash pad.
Project Partners:
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Owner: City of Surprise
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Dealer: PlaySpace Designs Inc.
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General Contractor: Willmeng Construction
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